I am aware of the limitations and flaws of the CI, having read of them, among other places, in the various cryonics posts here at LW. However, I am also aware of the other limitations and flaws of Alcor that have also been posted. Neither organization offers a perfect solution - so I've weighed my options, including my physical proximity to CI's storage facility and my finances, and made my choice. I've been hesitating on this for far too long, and at this point, I feel it's better to simply pick either one rather than not pick one at all.
I've been hesitating on this for far too long, and at this point, I feel it's better to simply pick either one rather than not pick one at all.
Why are you in such a hurry?
It seems to me that if there are no credible options to extend you lifespan beyond what curent medical science can do, it's best to just wait for one to show up rather than committing to a weak option with a negligible chance of succeding.
Of course, it's entirely possible that such a strong option will never materialize during your lifetime, in which case you would just have avoided wasting your money and effort.
I've finally decided to take the plunge and make the arrangements for my eventual cryonic preservation. To help myself make sure that I actually follow through with everything necessary, I'm publicly pre-committing myself here to accomplish that.
As initial evidence that I'm actually serious about doing this, I've sent an email to The Cryonics Institute today, whose contents were as follows:
I have decided to finally stop procrastinating and make the necessary arrangements for my eventual cryonic preservation, and I have chosen CI to make those arrangements with.
I have looked through your membership pages and online sample forms, and I believe that I can work through my end of the paperwork without any real trouble, although I would still appreciate any advice you have to offer. For example, I live in Canada, about an hour's drive from Toronto, which might affect which forms are necessary.
Before I send my initial payment, I would at least like to confirm the basic details, and let you know who the money is coming from. It appears that, to start things off, I can Paypal you USD $110, for the yearly membership fee plus the first quarter's dues; after which I would mail you a physical, signed copy of the yearly membership application. After that, there will be a variety of documents to sign and have witnessed; and the insurance plan to arrange for. Is that a reasonable summary?
For the life insurance, I am thinking of a 20-year term policy with RBC (Royal Bank of Canada). Have you had any dealings with them previously, to know whether or not there will be any problems in setting the Cryonics Institute as the beneficiary? Do you have any recommendations about how large a benefit in excess of the basic USD $35,000 amount the policy should pay out, such as to cover currency-exchange fluctuations or the 'local help' rider?
Is there anything else you would recommend be discussed before I make that initial payment and set the ball in motion?